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Lance retires after legendary career spanning over 2 decades

Armstrong's fans were excited to see him make a comeback in 2009.

Colorado Springs, Colo. (February 16, 2011)-- Lance Armstrong announced his retirement from professional cycling on Wednesday.

“Lance has obviously had an amazing impact on the sport,” said USA Cycling Chief Executive Officer Steve Johnson. “He helped put the sport on the radar screen of millions of Americans and earned fans around the globe. His legacy is certain to have a lasting effect on the continued growth of cycling.”

In addition to being a seven-time Tour de France champion with 25 Tour de France stage wins, Lance further stamped his legacy on the sport with a Professional Road World Championship title in 1993 and an Olympic bronze medal in the individual time trial (2000), while representing the U.S. at three Olympic Games (1992, 1996, 2000).

Prior to becoming the most prolific cyclist in American history, Armstrong trained with USA Cycling’s national development team program. He was also a member of USA Cycling’s squad for the 1989 UCI Junior Road World Championships.

After a legendary career that spans more than two decades, Armstrong will now focus on his family and the fight against cancer through the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the LIVESTRONG campaign.

Lance riding with Astana

Additionally, Armstrong supports the future of the sport through numerous endeavors including his 19-year endorsement of the USA Cycling Lance Armstrong Junior Road Series (LAJRS). Thanks to Lance and the hard work of race organizers around the country, LAJRS has become a nationally-recognized calendar that increases the quality of road racing opportunities for junior and U23 men and women, thus giving them greater opportunities to chase their professional and Olympic dreams.

This Article Published February 15, 2011
For more information contact: kkahn -at- usacycling dot org

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